James Gunn confirmed Wednesday that he will direct Superman: Legacy.
Gunn, who helms DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran, posted a series of tweets in which he recounted the winding road that led to today’s announcement. Back in January, the man behind 2021’s The Suicide Squad unveiled a portion of the projects in “Gods and Monsters,” the first chapter in the connected DC Universe.
Gunn previously shared that he was writing the script for Superman: Legacy, which is slated to hit theaters and relaunch the whole enterprise on July 11, 2025. The theatrical release date is significant to Gunn, even though he didn’t realize it at first.
Yes, I’m directing Superman: Legacy to be released on July 11, 2025. My brother Matt told me when he saw the release date he started to cry. I asked him why. He said, “Dude, it’s Dad’s birthday.” I hadn’t realized.
Gunn’s father, whom he considered to be his best friend, died three years ago. He said his dad didn’t understand him as a kid, but still supported his love for comics and film, both of which encapsulate what he does today. Gunn turned down Superman “years ago” because the filmmaker didn’t feel like he found “a way in” that would do the iconic character justice.
It has been a long road to this point. I was offered Superman years ago - I initially said no because I didn’t have a way in that felt unique and fun and emotional that gave Superman the dignity he deserved.
The Guardians of the Galaxy mastermind eventually found a theme worth pursuing. Despite the best efforts from Safran and others, Gunn was committed to writing the screenplay, and nothing more.
So I chose to finally take on writing the script. But I was hesitant to direct, despite the constant pestering by Peter Safran and others to commit (sorry, Peter).
Then he changed his mind. Now, working off a script he loves, Gunn is ready to embark on the two-year journey to the big screen.
But, the long and the short of it is, I love this script, and I’m incredibly excited as we begin this journey. #UpUpandAway
